GREAT FALLS, Mont. – The University of Providence women's basketball program defeated Stephens College 62-59 Saturday night.

The Argos (7-0) scored the first field goal of the game when graduate transfer Ashlee Maldonado found a cutting sophomore McKenna Reggear for a layup.

The Stars (5-2) would respond with a floater by Lauren Friedrich to tie the game at two.

After a pair of missed free throws by Stephens, senior Maddy Dixon hit a layup and a three-pointer to give the Argos a 7-2 lead.

The Stars would cut into the lead but a three pointer by freshman Taliah Lee and a layup by freshman Keanna Salave'a made it 15-9. Maldonado scored or assisted on all 15 points in the first quarter for the Argos.

Stephens would not go away hitting three pointers on two straight possessions, but back-to-back layups by Salave'a retook the lead for UP 19-15.

The Argos would increase their lead going on an 8-0 run behind a pair of baskets by both Reggear and Salave'a making it 29-19.

The Stars would cut into the lead hitting a bank shot three-pointer at the end of the first half to shorten the Argos advantage to five going into the break. Salave'a led the way in the first half with 10pts.

Each side would trade baskets to start the third quarter until a 9-1 run by Stephens gave the Stars their first lead of the night 40-39.

Stephens would increase their lead to five, but layups by Maldonado and Salave'a cut the lead to one heading into the fourth quarter.

The Stars would score the first basket in the final period, but a three-pointer by senior Kolby Pimperton tied the game at 47.

There would be ties at 51 and 53 before free throws and a floater by Maldonado gave UP a four-point edge.

Stephens would cut the lead to two, but the Argos would hit their free throws down the stretch to come away with the 62-59 victory. Maldonado finished with 21pts, 6ast, 6reb, and Salava'e added 21pts and 14reb.

The Argos will be back in action Nov. 24 when they travel to Helena, Mont. Tip-off versus Southern Oregon is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. at the PE Center.